Dobet Gnahoré

“I take traditional rhythms and blend them with electronic instruments on my computer. For example, when I travel, I listen to all kinds of music. Now, I like listening to urban music. But urban music from Africa originates from traditional music. Only the instruments, the choice of electronic instruments, change. But the sound, the rhythm, remains the same.”

“For me, every new album feels like a fresh beginning. It’s a new Dobet, a new story. I’m continuously growing and evolving in my music, infusing it with my emotions and experiences.”

“The album ‘Zouzou’ continues the tradition of featuring Ivory Coast artists in my albums. It’s mostly composed and arranged in the Ivory Coast by Dr. Wang, a young producer who worked with Malian R&B star Aya Nakamura. So, it’s a more modern, urban album that I plan to release in February 2024”

“Yes it's been a very difficult year. We haven't been able to do anything public. But it has allowed me to concentrate on this album, Couleur. And the next album too. Because I had the time to compose, I'm already working on the next one, and I have a lot of material.”

“The messages are messages of hope. That is the new energy that I want to put out. Anyone who listens to this album will sense that it is about movement. That is what I told Tam. I want people to dance. And we started with that. I wanted people to feel the African origin, but also a little bit of electro and Afro, but the most important thing was that the people dance.”

“With the vaccines available now, things are starting to improve. The confinement is ending. Bars can be open outside in the open air, but not inside yet. I think in another six months we will be back to normal.”